fro 



iUjJ 



A BIT OF SCANDAL 



A PLAY IN TWO ACTS 

For Female Characters 



By FANNIE BARNETT LINSKY 




Price 35 Cents 



PUBLISHED BY 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 



FRANKLIN, OHIO 

Also 

DENVER, COLORADO 
944 So. Logan 



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children. The Christmas Angel shows her complete 
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By Lillian Pearson. A simple, but beautiful sketch 
for any number of children, 12 required. Shows the 
real spirit of Christmas and tells how the glad 
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Mr. Richey Changes His Mind 

By Lee Owen Snook. Story of a crabbed, wealthy 
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unexpected romance develops. 4 males, 4 females, 
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20 minutes. Price, 25c. 

The Little Stranger 

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Ten Good Christmas Pantomimes 

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"Favorite Carols," etc. Contains the music also. 40c. 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO also DENVER, COLO. 

944 S. Logan St. 

— 



A Bit of Scandal 



A PLAY IN TWO ACTS 
FOR FEMALE CHARACTERS 



iiiiiimiiiiiiMiiiHiiiiiMiiiiminiiiiii 



1SY 

FANNIE BARNETT LINSKY 



Price 35 Cents 



Copyright, 1021, by Eldridge Entertainment House 

DEC 19 1921 

Published by 

Eldridge Entertainment House 

FRANKLIN, OHIO 

ALSO 

DENVER, COLORADO 
944 So. Logan 



&■*■* 



1^5 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 



IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY APPEAR 



GRACE HART ] 

JEAN LEWIS j room-mates I Students at 

NAN BARRETT { I Briar View College 
FRANCINA DEVOTO for Women. 

MARY SHERMAN J 

MISS OGILVIE — Dean of the College. Commonly known as 
"The Ogre." 

MRS. DEVOTO— Francina's- mother. 

CORA, the Maid — (If desired, may be played by person who plays 
part of "The Ogre.") 

MRS. SHERMAN-WHEELER— Mary's mother. (If desired, may 
be played by person who plays Mrs. DeVoto.) 



CI.Q 594 L& 



•m r 



SYNOPSIS. 



ACT I. 

Scene 1. Library and social room of Briar View College. 
Early December. 

Scene 2. Same. (Curtain lowered for moment to denote 
passing of time.) 

ACT IT. 

The garden of Grace's home. The following 1 summer. 



REMARKS. 



COSTUMES. 

The costumes may be the ordinary dress of today. In the 
first act the girls wear dresses such as any college students 
would wear in the winter season. 

In Act II the regulation dress for summer. 

"The Ogre" — prim and old-maidish — a typical "school- 
ma'am," should dress to accentuate her character. 

Mrs. DeVoto and Mrs. Sherman-Wheeler should dress in 
modern up-to-date garments. 

Cora, the maid — conventional costume for maid — i. e., black, 
neat fitting dress, white collar and cuffs, white apron. 

CHARACTERS. 

"The Ogre" to talk with an accent very punctilious and 
correct. 

Mrs. DeVoto to have very slight Italian accent. 

Mary and Mrs. Sherman-Wheeler to have noticeable "South- 
ern Drawl" in their speech. 



A Bit of Scandal 

ACT I 

SCENE I. 

Library and social room of the college. Tabic at />'. Fire- 
place with mantel shelf above, k. front. Small vase on shelf. 
Window in back trail. Book case against trail near ivindow. 
Duplicate of rase on mantel standing on book case. Large 
encyclopedia on stand near, book case. Violin in case, and 
wi/re music stand in R. corner. Several chairs. Books scattered 
about on tabic. Victrola conveniently placed. Small statue 
on pedestal, standing on Victrola. Wmdow scat or utility 
box covered with cushions placed at convenience. Door at L. 
near front. Another at back wall R. presumably leading to 
college grounds amd outdoors. Screen conveniently placed. 

Three girls seated about tabic in attitudes of study and 
despair. Occasionally writing busily. 



Grace — (Stretching out arms with a sigh of relief) Well, 
thank Goodness I've only got one more paragraph to do on this 
thing. Oh! I certainly do love to write ten-page compositions. 

Jean — Well, you can't possibly love it any more than I do. 
Say, how do you spell "Thermopylae?" 

Grace — Foolish question number 997. Why ask me when 
Nan's here. She's the star performer in History, 15. Come on, 
Nan, are you struck dumb at the compliment? {Shies a book 
at her.) Wake up, will you, and spell Thermopylae for Joan. 

Nayi — Shut up, will you, or rather both of you? I'm almost 
finished with this, -and I'm mightly thankful. (Yawns.) Do 
you know, it's just been the hardest kind of work for me to keep 
my mind on this stuff today. I'm simply dying to hear what 
Francina will have to say about tonight. She promised to conn' 
in here on her way back from her lesson to tell us the news, 0, 



6 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

hang- it, why did you get me started anyhow. (Turns back to 
work.) I've just got to finish this pesky thing. (Scribbles 
madly.) 

Jean — Well, if no one will spell "Thermopylae" for me, I 
suppose I'll have to rind out for myself. (Goes to encyc. — hums 
softly as she hunts.) Good land! all the T-H's I can find, seem 
to be thermometers of some kind. What time do you expect 
Fran back, Nan? 

Nan — (Rousing with a start) Um, H'm, yes I guess so 
(vaguely) . 

Jean — You guess so? Lord, no wonder you're the star 
of the history class, If you can put your mind on a stupid old 
thesis, when there's such a thing as college theatricals only a 
few hours off— and W(E ARE IN 'EM. 

Nan — (Sighing) Well, I suppose it's no use trying to finish 
my work with this crowd around. (Brightening.) But honestly, 
girls, I'm as excited as I can be, and I'm so N-e-r-v-o-u-s. I 
just know that I'll forget my cue and pirouette Avhen I ought to 
be making a bow, or else I'll be bowing to you, Jean, when you 
have your back turned squarely to me. 

Jean — Well, come on, let's try it a few times before Fran, 
comes in. Grace you may be the orchestra. All ready, now. 

(They go through the steps of an old-fashioned minuet, 
Grace hums. At end, Nan makes a very deep curtsey, and 
rolls over on floor. All laugh.) 

Nan — (Getting up and shaking herself) You hard-hearted 
wretches to laugh at me. I just know something awful will 
happen to me tonight when I'll have a hoop-skirt to manage 
besides. Well, the only consolation is, that if I should roll over, 
at least I shall be able to make a generous display of my own 
great-grandmother's best Sunday-go-to-meeting pantalettes — and 
ruffled ones at that. 

Grace — Why, Nan Barrett, I'm shocked at you. 

Nan — Well, I can't help it if you are. Say, do you know 
I think Francina's going to make a hit with her solo — she plays 
so beautifully. Don't you think so? 

Grace — Yes, she surely does, but (thoughtfully) I do just 
kind of wish that Mary Sherman wasn't down for a violin solo 



A Bl l" OF SCANDAL 7 

too. You know, I can't seem to take to that girl, somehow or 
other. 1 don't know why, either. I hardly know her — but sh^'s 
so — so- — er — well. 1 don't know just what she is — hut 1 don't 
like her. 

\an — Well, T sort of used to feed that way myself, when 
she first came here, but lately I've had a feeling that the girl's 
unhappy, and that's why she acts so queer. 

Jean — [Surprised) Why Nan, 1 didn't know that you had 
made friends with her. 

Nan — I haven't. But sometimes I feel as though I ought 

to. especially since she has a room on the same floor with us'.' 
But she's rather distant, I must admit, and — (), here's Fran at 
last. Now we'll bear what's been done about the program. You 
know, really. I can't help hoping — 

(Enter Fran, violin case and music roll in one hand. 
Hunch of fJoirers pinned on coat.) 

Francina — Hello there, everybody. (Sinks into chair.) My 
dears. I'm so tired, I'm simply a corpse. 

Grace — Well, I must say you're very fittingly decorated. 
(Points to flowers.) But we've been waiting here hours, haven't 
we girls, to hear about the arrangements for the big show. Did 
you get the program? 

Francina — O, my dears, I'm dead. Don't ask me to say a 
word, please. If you only knew — 

Jean — Now, there, there, you poor dear, of course, you're so 
all in Ave wouldn't think of ALLOWING you to even speak. No 
indeed, you must just sit right there and rest. (Starts to fake 
off Francina's hat for tier. Grace removes gaiters for tier. Sfan 
tier coat, etc.) 

Chorus — Of course you're tired — now don't think of saying 
a word ! 

Francma — (Jumping up and laughing) 0, go on, you old 
frauds, don't I know I'd never get out of here alive If I didn't 
tell you all about it. Well (taking a long sheet of paper from 
pocket), I've got it — here it is. 

Chorus — 0, do let me see it. 

Francina — Gently, gently, my children. There is more to 
this than greets the eye. First, I've got a confession to make. 



8 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

You know "open confession is good for the soul." Well, then, 
here goes. You see — er — I'm — well — I'm going to play — 

Nan — Well, that's nothing new. Grace, do give her a poke, 
please, so she'll get to the important part. I'm slowly dying of 
suspense. 

Grace — {Picks up pointer) Madam, our high chief ruler hath 
commanded me to poke you. Beware, lest I poke too hard. 

Francma- — (Laughing) 0, do stop your foolishness, girls. 
Well — here goes. I'm to play for my first number— a — piece — 
THAT I COMPOSED MYS'ELF. 

Jean — Why, Francina DeVoto, how perfectly fine — but — you 
wretch — you never told us! I'm just delighted. 

Grace — Wonderful ! 

Nan — Well, for goodness sake, don't stop there. Do tell us 
all about it. 

Francina — Why, I've been practicing with Sig. Forni for 
over a month, and, of course, he's helped me a whole lot. When 
I first wrote the thing I was almost ashamed to even show it to 
him, but — well — I finally did, and he thought it was fine, and 
he spoke to "The Ogre" about it, and she was willing, and — and 
— well, that's all there is to it, except (unfastening music roll) 
that here it is and I'm not to touch my fiddle again until I play 
it tonight. I've practiced three hours today. (Sinks into chair) 
0, I'm -so tired. 

Jean — Well, I just think that's wonderful. Who'd ever have 
thought that we were entertaining a genius in our midst. That's 
what comes of having Italian blood in your veins. I always knew 
that Italians were artistic. I don't see what particular good it 
ever did me to have my great grandmother's great grandmother 
come over in the Mayflower. 

Grace — But Fran, tell us about Mary Sherman. I do hope 
that you play before she does — I •should hate to have her come 
first. 

Francma — (With a frown) Well, she DOES come before me. 
She's the second on the program and I'm the fifth, and to tell 
the truth, girls, that's the only thing about this that I don't 
like one bit — but what could I do. You know the Ogre. No 
use to start anything in the shape of an argument with her. 

Nan — No indeed. All the thermometers that Jean found in 



A BIT OF SCANDAL 9 

Brittanica would immediately forget that they had any mercury 
it would go down so low once she fixed you with her icy stare. 

Grace — well, Fran, you don't have to be afraid of Mary 
Sherman. I've heard you play before now, and I'll bet on you 
every time. Let's forget about 'Contrary Mary' anyhow, and 
talk about something pleasant, I see she's left her fiddle and 
stand here all ready. 

Francina — Yes, you're right, Grace, I'd much rather not talk 
about her any more nor about the concert either. As a matter 
of fact, I'm starved. Have you girls had your lunch yet? 

Jean — No, we waited for you. We wanted to hear the 
news. And say, girls, I've got a bright idea. 

Grace — Never ! 

,, T -i i , (Together.) 

■ Nan — Impossible! v ^ ' 

Jean — (With a withering look) Suppose, instead of going- 
over to the Hall Dining Room, we stay here and have a rarebit 
for lunch. We've got nearly everything here and it'll be a sort of 
celebration before the great event. 

Grace — Gee, that'll be fine. 

Nan — Scrumptious, but we'll have to hustle. You know The 
Ogre made us all promise to rest at least two hours this after- 
noon so as to be nice and fresh for the evening. 

Jean — 0, we'll be 'fresh', never fear. I feel frisky enough 
to do a Rag Time Jazz right here and now. (Seizes Nan and 
whirls her round, others all clap.) 

Francina — Well, I'm tired enough to sleep for a week, the 
way I feel now, and hungry enough to eat — YOU (makes faa 
at Grace.) 

Grace — Well, if it's all decided, let's get a move on. I'll run 
over to my room and get the chafing dish, and one of you'll have 
to go over to the Coop (Co-op) and get some 'Good-natured' 
alcohol. 

Jean — I'll go. 

Nan — 0, if all you girls have to go out, I'll go up and get 
that box of goodies that mother just sent me. I'll contribute it 
to the feast in Honor of "Our Genius." Think of YOU (tummg 
to Francina) composing a piece all your own ! 

(While sJie is speaking, door at L. front opens cautiously. 
Girls do not notice. Head of girl is seen. Intruder carefully 
closes door all but a crack and stands listening.) 



10 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

Francina — Well, it's hardly a compliment to me to have 
you all so surprised to think that I COULD do it. I wrote all 
about it to my mother last week, and she — 

Nwv — My, won't she be proud of you Fran. 

Francina — She will, certainment! But come, I perish of 
hunger! I must go up stairs with my hat and coat. Will you 
girls be long? 

Grace — no, I'll fly. We ought to be back in three shakes 
of a lamb's tail. 

Francina — Whatever that may mean. But what shall I do 
with my precious music? I should die if anything ever hap- 
pened to it. {Looks about for place to put it.) Not that I need 
it. I know the whole thing by heart and I could play it with 
my eyes shut. 

Jean — Why don't you put it in the drawer of the table. 
Then we can lock it and hide the key. Nobody else will be 
using this room before we come back. If you keep it in your room 
you'd surely dream about it, and we must all be sure and get 
in our beauty sleep this afternoon. (Opens drawer.) Don't 
you think this is a good place, girls. 

Nan — Why yes, I think so, Nobody'd touch it anyway. Come 
on girls, I can almost taste that rarebit. You girls hurry now. 

(Meaniohile, door at L. has closed. Listener disappears. 
Exit Grace and Nan through door at back, Jean lingers to 
wait for Francina, ivho takes music, places it in drawer, locks 
drawer, and places key in little vase on top of book case. 
Exist Jean and Francina.) 

Silence for few seconds. Door at L. again cautiously 
opens. Girl is seen. Hesitates, then tip-toes softly into room. 
Glances around anxiously. Walks about room as if searching. 
Stops frequently to listen. Tries drawer of table. Shakes 
head. Looks under rug. Shakes out every tiling on table. 
Hem^s slight noise. Starts nervously and listens. A II is 
silence. Goes quickly to book case and appears to be intently 
looking for a book. A voice is heaved coming nearer, singing a 
popular air. Enter Grace carrying chafing dish. Does not see 
girl at book case. 

Grace — {Setting dish on table) Turn -turn, dee dee, turn turn 
di dum (turns and sees other) Good gracious, how you startled 



A BIT OF ►SCANDAL 11 

me. I did not know there was a soul here. Can I help you Miss 
Sherman? 

Mary — {Quietly) No, thank you, I was just looking for a 
certain book that 1 saw here last night. 1 have it now. [Takes 

book from case and goes quickly out of room.) 

Grace — [To Nan just coming in) Gee, 1 don't like that girl. 
she's got ■such soft sneaky ways. 

Nan — (Surprised) That girl? What girl? I didn't see 
anybody. 

G-race — 0, that Sherman person. She was in here when I 
came up, looking for a book, and when I spoke to her she jusl 
cut me oil' in that cool little way of hers and took herself and 
her hook off double quick. 

Nan — Well, I suppose she surmised we were having a jam- 
boree, seeing you with the chafing dish. You could hardly 
blame her for not staying. I suppose it would not hurt us to 
ask her in. 

Grace — 0, nothing doing. She'd spoil the party. Shh, here 
eomes the girls. {Enter the others.) 

Francina — Well, here we are back again. What's doing'.' 

Nan — Grace, you get the eggs and beat them, there's a good 

child. 

Grace — Sure, where are they? 

Nam — Why, in the refrigerator, of course, where else should 
they be? 

Grace — The refrigerator, 0, of course (Goes to window, opens 
it, takes in large box, from which she carefully extracts two 
eggs). You see, at the present price of eggs, I didn't think you 
allowed yours out alone at night. But I've sad news for you. 
These are the last. I guess it's the collection box for us to 
gather up the price of another dozen — and I'm as poor as a 
church-mouse this week. (Takes bust off pedestal, I urns latter 
upside down, tripes it out with towel extruded from under 
cushion of one of chairs, upon which Francina has seated herself.) 
Sorry to disturb you honey, but you see (airily), this light house- 
keeping's such a bore, especially when one is entertaining. 
(Places pedestal and ton-el on table, goes to Victrola, and from 
lower part extracts small frying pan, two saucepans, a few dishes, 
knives and forks, etc. Puts all on floor, hunts anxiously for 



12 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

something else.) For goodness sake, Nan, the egg-beater's miss- 
ing. (The others look up.) 

Jean — Well, you didn't look in the right place. That egg- 
beater makes sweeter music than ever came out of a Victrola. We 
keep it in the safe, my dear. 

Grace — yes, of course, I forgot. (Goes to utility box w 
window seat, unloads all pillows. Pulls out egg-beater.) Eureka, 
I have found it. (Waves beater — Sets to work vigorously beat- 
ing eggs in bowl made of inverted pedestal. Others meanwhile 
bring salt, pepper, cream, crackers, etc.) 

Nan — (Stirring) Well. I think we are ready for the eggs. 

(Grace attempts to hold bowl aloft and pass it to Nan 
with a flourish. Nearly stumbles.) 

Grace — Mercy. 

Jean — Good Heavens, Grace, do be careful. Think what a 
calamity if you had dropped them. 

Nan — Shh, just take a look at Francina. She's fallen 
asleep. The poor kid. She's worn out from all this excitement. 
We ought to pack her off for a nap double quick, or she'll be 
'all in' for tonight. 

Jean — Just imagine anyone sleeping when there's a rarebit 
around. She'd never forgive us if we didn't wake her up to 
have some. Shh, I hear someone coming. If it's the Ogre, we'll 
all get a call down for not going out for a regular lunch. 

(A knock. Nan opens. Enter Marry Sherman.) 

Nan — Why good evening — er I mean good afternoon — er — 
won't you come in? 

Mary — (Stepping inside the door) Thank you. I — er — didn't 
mean to intrude. 

Jean — 0, that's all right. It's, no intrusion at all. You see 
we were just having a little celebration in honor of tonight. 
(Mary starts.) 

Nan — Won't you stay and join us — the rarebit's all ready. 
(Gra.ee brings plates and Nan serves.) 

Mary — no, I really mustn't. You see I was just coming 
round the corner when I met Miss Ogilvie and she gave me this 
to give to Miss DeVoto. It must have come this morning while 
she was away. Isn't she here? (Look around and see Francina 
asleep — holds up letter.) 



A BIT OF SCANDAL L3 

\<iu — (Takes letter end /tends Mary a plate) Well, I guess 
we'll have to wake her up then. Now do have some rarebit. Miss 
Sherman, before it gets cold. You know its no good unless you 
eat it piping hot. You see you arc such a near neighbor of ours 
that we really ought to be more sociable, oughtn't we, girls? 
Chorus — Why, of course. 

Mary — (Agitated) I'm sure that's very nice of you. 

Nan — (Glancing at letter) From Bryantville. It must be 
from her folks. (Goes over and gently rouses Franeina.) Get 
up child, get up and see what I have for you. 

Franeina — (Rousing with difficulty) Why I haven't been 
asleep, have I? Why I know I haven't. The idea, I'll bet you 
folks ate up all the party before you called me. I almost wish 
you hadn't waked me at all — because — do you know — I was hav- 
ing the most wonderful dream — about tonight. (Cat (dies sigh I 
of letter.) For me? 0, give it to me quick (looks at post-mark) , 
0, it's from home, dear I'm so excited (stops suddenly) I 
wonder if anything could be the matter. You know, girls the 
last time my mother wrote she said — 0, dear, I just know it's 
bad news — I think — 

Jean — (Sarcastically) Well, suppose you open it Fran. 
You know you COULD read it and not have us all slowing dying 
of suspense. What do you girls say? 

Chorus — Why, course — read it — Silly — Sure, road it. etc. 

Franeina — (Opens letter) 0, guess, the lovliest news — 0, my 
dears, my dears (dances for joy) , My mother, my darling mother, 
do you hear — is coming here for the show. (Reads from letter.) 
"We have all ,been so proud to hear that you have written a 
piece all yourself, mis cara (aside) you know that's Italian for 
'My darling,' and that I am all anxiety to hear you play it — 
and so I am coming." 0, O, isn't it too wonderful. (Seizes tin 
girl nearest her and waltzes her around, | 

(Mary Sherman, in background, is almost unnoticed in 
general excitement, but at mention of Fran's mother Mary 
eo-vcrs her face -with hands, and acts very agitated. \ o <>m 
sees. Nan gives Fran plate, and all ■continue to eat.) 

Nan — Gosh, girls, the rarebit's all cold, but don't blame me. 
This is what comes of having a genius in our midst. 

Franeina — Now girls, don't be so silly and call me that. 



14 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

You know it's not so. I just happened to write this piece, and 

I'll probably never get up enough eour {Turns, and for the 

first times catches sight of Mary) good afternoon, Miss Sher- 
man, I hope you'll pardon me but in the excitement of all this 
I never even noticed that we had a visitor. I guess I quite for- 
got my manners altogether, but you see I was so overjoyed at 
the thought of seeing my darling mother that I'm sure you'll 
forgive me. 

Mary — Why certainly, don't mention it all all — indeed I 
don't blame you in the least. 

Jean — Are any of your folks coming for the grand affair, 
Miss Sherman. 

Mary — (Quickly) 0, no, you see there is only my mother, 
and she wouldn't come. 

Francina— WOULDN'T. You mean COULDN'T, don't you? 

Mary — {Sadly) No, I mean WOULDN'T (embarrassed si- 
lence. ) 

Grace — (Breaking in with apparent effort) Well, I think 
it's about time the orchestra was playing "Home, Sweet Home" 
for all of us. Fran, You're dead tired, and it's time you got to 
bed, for we've all got a big night ahead of us. and we'll catch it 
if the Ogre comes in here and finds us celebrating. Anyway, it's 
Jean and Nan's turn to do the dishes, I'm very thankful to say, 
so you and I can "Eat it and Beat it." 

Wan — Heavens, Grace, what slang! Think what Professor 
"English-as-she-is-spoke" would say if she could hear you! 

Grace — Well, I should worry, Heavens, there's some more. 
Well, I can't help it if she is shocked. The dear old frump. 
She hasn't got a thing on her mind, but English-as-she-should- 
be-spoke, while as for me (airily), a popular young person like 
me, why, I've got so much to think about, that I really cawn't 
be bothered (mocking) abaout figuring aout the correct English 
expression for every trivial little trifle. Naouw, young ladies — 

Jean — (Others all laughing) W T hy you old fraud, you haven't 
got a thing on your brain but your hair, unless — 

Grace — (Still affectedly) WelL, thank, fortune, I've got 
plenty of that (touching her 'Crowning Glory') and I don't 
have to pretend that I like it 'bobbed' (with a face at one of the 
others who if possible should have short hair) simply because 
it's fashionable — when we all know — oh, but there, what's the 



A BIT OF SCANDAL 15 

use of my spending my efforts on such a Low-brow, unapprecia- 
tive audience. Come darling (to Frcmdna) we will leave this 
plebian atmosphere. (Takes Frcmdna around waist.) 

{ \<oi throws sofa cushion after retreating figures. Exit 
(I rare, Francina and Mary.) 

Jean — Gosh, Grace is certainly a scream when she gets going, 
isn't she? 

Nan — Yes she certainly is, hut she isn't in it with her 
brother. You ought to hear him do imitations. He's simp I \ 
great. I tell him he missed bis vocation — he ought to be on the 
professional stage. 

Jean — Well, I'm glad he isn't. 

Nan — You are! Why what difference does it make to you? 

Jean — 0, well, you see my folks would never stand for any- 
thing — 

Nan — Why, Jean Lewis, you old clam — and you've been 
keeping this to yourself all this time. Why, the idea — I never 
even guessed — 

Jean — (Surprised) Why, I didn't SAY anything, did I ? Why 
I never intended to tell you — I mean — I mean — 0, hang it — I 
mean — that I don't mean anything at all, but if you dare to tell 
one of those girls out there — I'll — I'll — 0, I'll put some poison 
in the next rarebit you eat, Nan Barrett. But honestly (getting 
confidential) I DO think he's a peach, Nan, don't you? 

Nan — Well, I guess he'll be a 'Pair' pretty soon, if you've 
got it as bad as this. But now, my darling to get back to earth 
once more, what are we going to do about the dishes. If we 
have to wash them and we keep on talking, we'll never even get 
forty winks in before tonight. 

Jean — 0, let's leave the dishes till tomorrow, will you. Nan? 
I'm dead tired. Nobody'll want this room any more today, and 
Ave can put them out of sight and come in before lunch tomorrow 
and do them. What do you say? 

Nan — All right, I'm perfectly willing. (They remove dishes 
behind screen.) I guess I'm as tired as you are. It's lucky we 
don't have a show more often or there'd be precious little work- 
done at Briar View 7 . Say (pausing as thought strikes her — and 
beginning to take dovn hair, or remove tic, etc.), wasn't it queer 



16 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

tlie way Mary Sherman spoke about her mother? Did you notice 
it? 

Jean — Did I notice it? Well, I'd have to be blind in one 
eye and not able to see out of the other if I didn't notice it. 
It surely did sound mighty strange to hear a girl say that her 
own mother WOULDN'T come to her her play. I think she 
must have had some trouble at home or she'd never talk like 
that ! 

Nan — Well, I can't imagine any girl having a fuss like that 
with her own mother. She must be mighty unhappy. 

Jean — Maybe she is, but — (rises and drags one shoe by laces 
across floor, other shoe on but unfastened) I'm too dead tired to 
bother my head any more today about Mary Sberman and her 
affairs. I'm going to take a chance that there's no one around 
and run across the hall like this. Come on, Nan, or you'll have 
me a corpse on your hands in another five minutes. 

Nan — (Having finished taking down hair — with mouth full 
of hairpins) Yes, I'm coming. (Walks to exit, shaking out Jiair. 
Exit Nan and Jean. ) 

(Stage gradually grows darken" to show waning December 
afternoon. Empty stage. Silence for few seconds. Door at L. 
softly opens. Head of same girl seen again. Hestitates, tip- 
toes softly into room. Glances around anxiously. Goes through 
same performance as before, shaki/n-g rug, moving everything on 
table, trying table drawer, etc. Hears noise. Starts nervously. 
Waits. All silent. Goes to door. Locks it. Pulls curtain 
lower. 'Tries key from door in effort to open draioer of table. 
No success. Goes to book case. Feels along top. Accidentally 
knocks down vase. It breaks. At noise, retreats panic stricken 
to corner. Silence. Gomes forward. Attempts to pick up 
pieces. Finds key. Overjoyed. Rushes to table opens drawer, 
takes out music. Goes nearer to light, glances over it. Listens 
at both doors, drags music stand nearer to light. Arranges 
music on it, gets violin, and standing, herself in shadow begins 
to play.) 

Note: On account of dim lighting, if necessary, this music may 
be played by some member of orchestra, behind scene, Mary 
Sherman simulating movement as if playing. 

Slow Curtain. 



A BIT OF SCANDAL 17 



SCENE II.— Same as Scene !. 

(Curtain rises on Nan sitting in .choir in attitude of 
deepest dejection. Enter Grace — all excitement. 

Grace — Good land, Nan, what's the matter'.' Still worrying 
over last night? Heavens, this whole college seems to have 
gone into mourning over that affair. 

'Nan — Well, it certain was an awful thing. [Shivers.) 
Goodness, I shiver every time I think of it. 

Grace — I don't wonder. I hear Fran's completely gone to 
pieces. They've put her to bed, and I just heard The Ogre tele- 
phoning for the doctor. 

Nan — Poor child, I should think she'd need a doctor after 
such a shock. But wasn't she brave, just the same, to go through 
the thing the way she did! Why, you know when Mary Sherman 
started to play her first number, I just looked over at Fran to 
see how she was taking it, and her face got so white I thought 
she was going to faint, so I leaned over and took her hand — to 
sort of encourage her as I thought, and when she whispered in 
my ear — "That's MY PIECE — she's stolen it" — why, 1 got such a 
shock 1 thought I'd fall off my chair. At first I thought that 
perhaps Fran was joking, but when I found that the poor child 
was really in earnest, I tried to collect my wits, and I leaned 
over and whispered back "'What are you going to do?" And all 
she said was "Wait and see." 

Grace — Didn't she have wonderful presence of mind, though. 
Of course, when I heard her play ''Mendelsohn's Spring song" for 
her first number when it was down on the program as her en- 
core, I knew something was wrong, but, of course, I never guessed 
the truth, and then when they all clapped so hard and she stood 
up there so brave and straight and played "The Star Spangled 
Banner," and everybody rose — why — I felt so proud of her I just 
could have hugged her. I seemed to have such funny little thrills 
going up and down my spine! 

Nan — Yes, I know. I felt the same way myself. The air 
just seemed charged with electricity. But do you know, I think 
there's something awfully queer about this business just the 
same. Nobody's seen anything of Mary Sherman since this 
thing happened. She seems to have vanished. 



18 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

Grace — I should think she'd want to vanish. I heard a 
crowd of girls discussing it as I same across the campus this 
noon, and they all predicted that The Ogre will expel her. 

Nan — Really. I didn't think it would be quite as bad as 
that. But do you know that in spite of it all, and goodness 
knows I'm as fond as I can be of Francina, just the same I 
can't help but feel a little bit sorry for Mary Sherman, although 
of course, I wouldn't have had this thing happen for the world. 

Grace — Well, I must say Nan, that I've never been quite 
able to understand your attitude towards Mary Sherman. I'm 
afraid you won't find many of the girls agreeing with you, most 
of them seem to think that she's a disgrace to the school, and 
that the sooner she leaves it the better. I know they intend to 
"cut" her dead when they meet her. So you'll be the only one 
who has any sympathy for her. But there ! I vow I'll not listen 
to nor speak another word about this whole miserable business. 
There isn't a corner of this whole building that you can get into 
today but what someone routs you out with a tragic whisper, 
"Have you heard the latest rumor about Mary Sherman?" 
Shh! Someone's coming. 

(Enter the Ogre and Mrs. DeVoto, latter talking excitedly, 
and with slight trace of foreign accent. ) 

Mrs. DeVoto — But I tell you my dear Miss Ogelman, there 
is no other way. 

The Ogre — My name is -Ogilvie. 

Mrs. DeVoto — Ah yes, pardon (catches sight of girls) Ah 
you young ladies — do go up and comfort my little girl — she is 
so — so miserable. 

Grace — Why, of course, we will. I didn't know that she 
would want to see any of us. (Exit Grace and Nan, Back R.) 

Mrs. DeVoto — (Wringing her hands) 0, such a miserable 
business. Is it not a pity that such a thing must happen. My 
poor little Francina. And such a beautiful piece she composed. 
Of course, my dear Miss Ogelson 

The Ogre — My name is Ogilvie. 

I//.S. DeVoto — All, pardon, yes, of course, Ogilvie. I was 
about to say my dear Miss O-gil-vie no doubt you find it hard 
to understand my — er — what yu call — er — anguish. But you 



A BIT OF SCANDAL l!i 

see, you have never been a mother — you can not know a mother's 
joy — her pride 

The Ogre — Of course, as you say. my dear Mrs. DeVoto, as 
you say — ahem — I may not have the — er — feelings — ahem — 
that you speak of, hut at least I have the honor of the college 
very closely at heart, and I deeply deplore this dreadful occur- 
rence. 

Mrs. DeVoto — It is shocking - , shocking! Why, the girl i> a 
thief — a thief. She stole — she deliberately took my poor Fran- 
cina's music. She must he expelled — of course — there is no other 
way. 

The Ogre — Well, I had hoped that it might not be necessary 
to go so far, but, of course, if you insist — 

Mrs. Devoto — Insist — of course I insist — it is the only way. 
The creature must be punished. My poor little Francina — she 
must be — must be — what you call it — recompensed — for such 
humiliation. The idea ! 

The Ogre — Well, I have sent for Mary Sherman, and she will 
be here directly. May I ask that you leave us alone for a little 
while to talk over this unfortunate matter. 

Mrs. DeVoto — Of course, of course, 1 would not meet the 
creature for the world. I go to my poor Francina. 

(Starts to go. Enter Mary Sherman. They meet at door. 
Mrs. DeVoto turns away in disdain. Mary shrinks hack. Exit 
Mrs. DeVoto.) 

Mary — You wished to see me. 

The Ogre — [Icily) I certainly did, Miss Sherman, although 
it is the most painful duty that I have to perforin. Never has 
the honor of Briar View been so sullied. And never has an act 
so flagrant been committed within its sacred walls. I am amazed 
and pained — {pauses for breath) ahem, inexpressibly pained, at 
this — ahem — dreadful occurrence. I am told that you are a 
Southerner, too. (Mary winces.) That makes your act all the 
more surprising, for Southerners have always been associated in 
my mind with people who have been the souls of honor. Have 
you anything to say, Miss Sherman, about your most — ahem — 
extraordinary conduct ? 

Mary — (SloivJy) Why no, I don't know that there is any- 
thing more that CAN be said. I did it — I took Miss DeVoto's 



20 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

piece and played it — I knew just what I was doing — and — well — 
that's all there is to it. 

The Ogre — That's ALL. Well, I should think that was quite 
enough. At least you are going to say that you are sorry, I hope. 

Mary— {As if weighing her words) W-h-y, I think I regret 
all the trouble I have caused you and the College, Miss Ogilvie, 
but — that — is — all. 

The Ogre — That is All. Well, I must confess, Miss Sherman, 
that I certainly do not understand your attitude. It seems to 
me — in fact, in quite expected to find you bowed down with 
shame and humiliation at the dreadful thing you have done, and 
here you stand and calmly tell me that your only regret is at 
the thought of the trouble you have caused me. Really this seems 
very strange. (Looks at Mary expectantly — Mary remains silent.) 
Well, then, it becomes my very painful duty, to say, ahem, that 
you are expelled from Briar View College IN DISGRACE. I 
trust that at last you realize — 

Mary— {Showing signs of JOY) EXPELLED! Really! 0, 
thank goodness. 

The Ogre — (Shocked) Miss Sherman! Do my ears deceive 
me? Really (angrily) I am at a loss to understand — I cannot 
comprehend such actions. Why — you appear actually — actually 
• — GLAD that you are expelled. Really this is most extraordi- 
nary. I have been associated with this college for thir — ahem — 
a great many years, and I must confess that I have never in 
all that time been called upon to reprimand a student for being- 
overjoyed at the news of her expulsion from the college. (Moves 
towards door.) Of course, I shall notify your mother at once. 
(Mary winces.) Ah, I am glad to see that your feelings are 
touched at last. Well, Miss STierman (angrily), if you come to 
your senses later on, and find that you have something to say to 
me after all, I shall be in my office. (Exit Miss Ogilvie.) 

(Mary sinks into chair and covers face with hands. Enter 
Nan hurriedly. Mary starts up. Nan half retreats.) 

Nan — (Coldly) Pardon me, I did not know that this room 
was being used. 

Mary — (Jumping up) 0, Miss Barrett, please, just a minute 
('wipes eyes) I know you must — you must — just hate me — all 
the girls must — but — 



A BIT OF SCANDAL 21 

Nam — Well, you could hardly expect them to — er — exacth 
praise you, after what has happened. Y<>u sec. it happens thai 
we are all extremely fond of Francina. 

Mary — Yes, yes. I know, and really 1 liked her myself — very 
much indeed. 

Nan — You did. Well, 1 must say that you took a mighty 
queer way of showing it. 

Mar// — 0, I know that it must seem very dreadful to you 
all, this thing that I have done — but if you only knew the rea- 
son—if you only — Miss Barrett, 1 wonder if you'd let me tell 
you about it. I feel as if I should go mad if I didn't tell some- 
one. (Cries.) If you could only know what I went through he- 
fore I could make up my mind to do it at all — I feel as though, 
perhaps, you wouldn't judge me quite so harshly. 

Nan — Well, of course, if it will relieve your feelings so much 
I am perfectly willing to listen. (They sit.) 

Mary — You know, of course, that I am a Southerner (A t awi 
nods). "Well, my home is a large old Colonial place that has 
been in my father's family for generations. My father is dead, 
and since his death my mother and I have lived there, And 0, 
we were so happy — we were all in all to each other. I adored 
my mother, Miss Barrett. I worshipped her. 

Nan — Why do you speak in the past tense? Your mother is 
still living, isn't she. 

Mary — Yes, she is, but it's not the same You see, she 
married again, and he — that is — my step-father is the cause of 
all the trouble. I could not bear him, and he certainly returned 
the feeling most heartily. You see, I knew that he did not care 
for my mother as I did — I knew that he had only married her 
for the money and land and property that my father had left 
her, but mother was infatuated with him and could not see it. 
0, how that man hated me. He knew that I could see through 
his motives. But, of course, it meant that my mother was com- 
pletely changed towards me. I have lost her — just as much as 
though she had died. (Breaks down and cries.) 

Nan — Why you poor child, no wonder you were unhappy. 

Mary — (Wiping eyes) Well, 1 stood it all until one day. 
that — that — beast concocted a scheme so dreadful that I could 
hardly believe my ears. You see. ever since I have been a little 
girl in pinafores, I have — er — well — 1 have had (blushes) — er a 



22 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

sweetheart — a young boy who lived on the next estate to ours — 

Robert Manners. 

i 

Nan — Not Bob Manners. Why, my brother knows him. Yen 
mean the one whose father/ lost all his money, and then- — well — 
committed suicide, and then the son gave up the old home and 
everything lie had in the world to pay the debts and clear his 
father's name? Is that the one you mean. 

Alary — (Sadly) Yes, that's the one, and I have been engaged 
to him for several years. But now that he has his own way to 
make in the world it means that we shall probably have to w 7 ait 
for a long time. But I did not mind that for I sure was mighty 
proud of the tiling that he did. But my step-father thought 
differently. You see, a friend of his named Cabot, bought the 
Manners estate — a man who belongs to one of our oldest South- 
ern families — and my step-father has made up his mind that I 
am to marry this man. In fact, he's trying to force me to. 

Nan — 0, you don't really mean that! 

Mary — You don't know him. He's capable of anything. Yes, 
he thinks I ought to marry his friend because he has money, in 
spite of the fact that he has been married before and is forty 
at the very least — and fat, too although he's hardly fair. Well, 
between the two of them they've talked to my mother so much 
that they've made her agree with them, for you see, this man's 
family is one of the proudest in Virginia, and they think I ought 
to feel honored by his willingness to make me his wife. Honored, 
indeed! I'd like to — choke — him — -and my step-father along with 
him. 

Nan — Well, I don't know as I blame you. I think I'd like 
to help you do it. 

Mary — Things got so bad at home that I just couldn't stand 
it. Seemed like I'd go crazy to see my mother ordered round by 
that man, and I was most worn out trying to hold out against 
both of them — for, of course, I'd never give in and promise to 
give up Bob. 

Nan — I should think not. 

Mary — So at last I got mother to consent to my coming 
here to college for this year anyway and letting the matter rest 
till I got home again. But I was so worried and unhappy about 
Bob, that I just couldn't mix with the other girls like I wanted 
to and I just kept thinking all the time how I could find a way 



A BIT OF SC \M).\L 23 

to spoil my step-father's plans. One night, when I \\;is most 
awfully bliu\ it just popped into my head thai if 1 could do 
something to disgrace myself, something that would be a blot 
on a family's honor, or that would gei me expelled from the col- 
lege, why — well, the Cabot family's so proud, they'd never stand 
for anything like that, and so, well — then yon see. he wouldn't 
want to marry me. 

Nan — Ab. ha! I begin to sec the daylight. Hut the plot 
thickens. Please go on — I feel as though a real thrill was coming. 

MarH — Well, the other afternoon I just happened to be out- 
side the door when Miss — when Francina was telling about com- 
posing the piece and I don't know just how it happened, but it 
came to me in a flash, that here was just the opportunity that I 
had been looking for. But Miss Barrett — I hated to do it — 
honestly I did— I hope you'll believe me — I — I — never stole a 
thing in my life, and I don't know what Bob'll ever say to me 
when he finds out. {Cries.) 

Nan — {Blows nose violently) Why you poor child, of course, 
I believe you. {Wipes eyes.) Why, you've even got me going 
on the water works. You know, I told the girls that I thought 
there was some reason why you were so distant. Well, well, to. 
think that here's a girl crying because a man WANTS to marry 
her, and most of the rest of us are crying because they DON'T. 
There, there, honey {pats Mary), you cheer up. and I'm going- 
right upstairs and tell the whole story to Francina and her 
mother. "Blessed are the Peace-makers," you know, and I'm 
the greatest little peace-maker you ever knew. We won't tell 
another soul about it until you have been "duly expelled." My 
word, just imagine HELPING anyone to GET expelled. Every- 
thing seems to be turned around just the other way to what it 
usually is. Well, don't you worry, honey. I'll fix things up all 
right. {Exit Nan Back.) 

{Alary picks up magazine, goes to large chair at left, turns 
it round and seals herself, had: /<> audi' nee, completely hidden 
from view. Enter dean and Grace, Had: R., carrying out-dooi 
clothes, coats, lams, ice skates, hockey sticks, etc. Place clothes 
on chairs, skates and slicks on floor.) 

Jean — Let's rest in here a few minutes before we go out. 



24 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

(Glances rcmnd.) Hasn't this been a terrible day. I'll never 
forget it as long as I live. 

Grace — 0, now please, Jean, don't start that miserable Mary 
Sherman business again — I'm just sick and tired of hearing 
about it. 

Jean — Well, you may be, but it's awful, just the same. But 
somehow, Grace, I do pity that girl. 

Grace — Well, I must say that you and Nan do surprise me. 
I certainly do think that you are both taking this affair in the 
strangest way. Why you seem to forget that Fran's our friend 
and that we have known her for years, and this girl's just a 
new-comer, from goodness knows where, and here you are — 

Jea/n — Yes, I know it must seem queer, but listen. I met 
Nan a little while ago, going up to Fran's room, and she looked 
so solemn and — and — sort of thoughtful that I'll just bet she 
knows more about this affair than she's telling. 

Grace — (Hotly) Well, I don't care what she knows. I know 
all I want to know about Mary Sherman. The girl's a thief, a 
plain, common, ordinary thief, and that's all there is about it. 

Jean — (Shocked) Grace, don't say that. 

(Mary Sherman spring up, knocking over chair, flings 
magazine on floor in rage and confronts two girls who stand 
amazed. ) 

Mary — How dare you say such things about me — how dare 
you. It's a lie, do you hear — a wicked lie — I'm not a thief — I'm 
not — I never stole a thing in my life, never, never, do you hear — 
and you don't know what you are talking about (to' Grace) you 
— you little — you harradan. (Bursts into tears and rushes 
from room back R.) 

Grace — (Drawing long breath) Whew! What a little spit- 
fire. Who'd have ever thought that she was sitting over there 
all the time. Well, listeners never hear any good of themselves, 
tis said, and it certainly proved true in this case. 

Jean — (Uncomfortably) Yes, I know, but just the same, 
Grace, I wish — I do wisli you hadn't come out quite so plain and 
called her — well — a thief. You know, that's an awful tiling to 
say about a person. 

Grace — (Angrily) Awful! Well, it's the truth, isn't it? 
What is she, I'd like to know? I believe in calling a spade a 



A BIT OF SCANDAL 25 

spade. You girls make me tired. {Puts on hat, coat — takes up 
slates and stick.) I'm going out and get 'some fresh air into my 
brain and forget all about this whole miserable business. (Makes 
drive with stick.) I guess it'll do me good to let some of my 
temper out on a hockey ball. You coming'.' 

Jean — Er — no. I don't think so, not just now, anyway. I 
don't feel much like it after all this. I guess I'll stay here and 
read a while. 

Grace — {Moving to exit at II.) Well, I'm going. If you 
change your mind and decide to come out, you'll find me up at 
the east end of the lake. So long. (Exit Grace.) 

(Jean sighs audibly. Seats self at table, tries to read. 
Restless. Flings down book. Walks to L., picks up magazine 
from floor where Mary has thrown it. Seats self again, tries 
to read. Finally throws aside magazine, rises, puts an hat 
and coat, takes up skates and stick. Slowly exits. Back />'. 

CURTAIN. 



26 A BIT OF SCANDAL 



ACT II 

(The garden of the Hart home, the following summer. 
Summer furniture scattered about. Table at L. front. Door 
at R. front presumably leading to house. Garden bench at R. 
of door. Golf sticks resting against bench. Tennis racquets 
against chairs. Canoe paddles and cushions where convenient. 
Another door back ivall R., if possible all of glass, looking cnit 
to road. Two steps in front of door leading to house. 

(Nan and Grace on opposite sides of garden, playing ball.) 

Grace — Doesn't it seem just great to have all the girls to- 
gether again. 

Nan — It sure does. You know that was one of the reasons 
that I hated to have college close — the girls somehow seem to 
drift away so soon and some of your best friends you never even 
see again. But it's certainly awfully nice of you, Grace, to have 
us all here for this week. (They continue to play ball, talking 
as they play.) 

Grace — 0, indeed it was nothing of the sort. I was just 
dying to see you all again, and besides I felt as though I owed 
you all something after the perfectly awful way I carried on over 
that affair of Mary Sherman. (Enter Jean and Francina — R. 
front. ) 

Jean — Hi there, give me a catch. (Nan throws ball to her.) 

Francina — Whom do I hear taking Mary Sherman's name in 
vain? Say, by the way, where is she, Grace? 

Grace — 0, she's coming later. Say, wasn't it perfectly great 
that I could persuade her to come at all. You know, my Dad's 
quite pleased to think that she's going to be here. The last time 
she visited us lie took quite a fancy to her — and as for my- 
brother Dick — well — -it's a shame that Bob Manners got in ahead 
of him. (Nan looks at Jean.) The only trouble is that we can't 
get her to come here often enough, not more than once in a 
blue moon. 

Jean — Well, you mustn't forget that she is working for her 
living these days; not like us spoiled darlings, just going around 
having one perfectly grand time all day long. I think it was 
just splendid the way she refused to go home after she was 



A BIT OF SCANDAL 27 

expelled and be dependent upon her mother, lint — er — do yon 
know, Grace, I never noticed that Dick was especially attentive 
to — er — Mary. 

Nan — (Aside to Grace) I knew that would gei her started. 
(To Jean) I never noticed either, that he was particularly (imi- 
tating Iter) attentive er — to — er — Mary. Did you. Fran? 

Francina — (Somewhat mystified) 1 — er, why no. I don't jusl 
get what you're driving- at. 

Grace — Well, never mind dear, you'll wake up when the 
joke's all over. You know geniuses are always such unpractical 
persons. But to get back to the interesting subject under dis- 
cussion (nudging Nan.) Of course, Dick's MY brother, so I 
really ought to know whom he likes, oughtn't I? 

■/can — Well, Im' perfectly willing he should LIKE Mary 
Sherman. 

Chorus— O, YOU ARE! 

Francina — (Waking up) Well, the idea. And you kept this 
from me all this time. You wretch. (Gives Jean, a hug.) 

Jean — (Haughtily) Well, I'm sure I don't know what you 
girls are talking about. I know I haven't SAID a word. 

Nan — No, darling, of course you haven't. You didn't say a 
word to me either at school last winter. I just GUESSED it. 
You know I'm a Yankee for that. , 

Jean— Well, I (smiling) do think he's kind of nice, and I 
guess — 

Grace — (Interrupting) Well, he must be — lie's MY brother 
(Goes over to Jean.) There, there, honey, don't you let this 
bunch "get your goat." Heavens! There goes that old slang 
again, and I promised dad to forfeit a quarter of my allowance 
every time I broke out again. Gosh. I'll need a poor-box collec- 
tion if I keep on. But anyway don't you mind this crowd, Jean. 
I think Dickie's pretty nice, myself, even if he is my own brother, 
and (shaking a finger at Jean) 0, what he says about you. (./'"/> 
looks confused.) 

Nan — Well, to get back to 'Lady Mary.' Just fancy a girl 
like that going to ^vork. (Bounces a tennis ball on racquet.) 
Why, do you know, my brother knows her folks quite well, and 
he says her father left heaps of money and that half of it is 
Mary's if she wants to make a fight for it — but she won't do a 



28 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

thing' about it on account of her mother. Southern pride — that's 
what I call it. 

Grace — Well, my dad says that if Mary doesn't hurry up and 
claim the money pretty soon, there won't be any there, for that 
step -father of hers is a regular scamp, and he's going through 
the funds just as fast as lie can get hold of them. 

Francina — Why don't you get your father to talk to Mary 
about it, Grace ? 

Grace — He has tried to — but she won't listen on account of 
her mother — and you know when Mary makes up her mind to a 
tbing she usually sticks to it. 

Jean — Yes, I guess she proved that to all of us. 

Grace — You see, she says that she wouldn't make her mother 
uphappy for the world, because she knows that it is only a 
matter of time when she will find that man out for herself — and 
then she'll be unhappy enough. And I can't tell you how per- 
pectly awful Mary feels to think that her mother hasn't written 
her a line since that affair at college. 

Nan — Well, that's all her step-father's doings. My brother 
says that Mary's mother is just, as fond of her as she can be, 
but she's dead scared of that man. She doesn't care for him 
half as much as Mary thinks she does; and Frank says he'll bet 
dollars to doughnuts that one of the fine days, Mr. Step-father'll 
light out, and leave his wife altogether. 

Francina — Well, I hope he does, and very soon at that, for 
I know for certain that Mary Sherman will never be happy 
until she had made up with her mother. What time do you 
expect her Grace ? 

Grace — Why she ought to be here on the next train. (Looks 
at wrist watch.) 

Nan — Have I told you that my brother Frank met Bob 
Manners last week? 

All— No. 

Francina — 0, do tell us about him — I'm really awfully anxi- 
ous to meet him. I've heard so much about him and I think 
those Southern fellows are awfully fascinating. 

Nan — Well, I'm anxious to meet him myself, but I know he 
must be pretty nice, for Frank just raves about him, and fel- 
lows don't usually do that unless there's something to rave 
about. Bob's doing very well, and he feels very badly to think 



A BIT OF SCANDAL 20 

that Mary insists on working, and saying she'll never marry 
him unless her mother consents. 

Grace — Well, I'll tell you something you'll all be interested 
in. 1 meant to keep it a secret, hut perhaps it is jusl as well to 
let you all in on it, because then we can plan just what to <h>. 
(All stand round in expectant attitudes.) Well, my dad prom- 
ised me that he would do his hest to get Mary's mother to come 
up HERE some day during- this week, and see if we can't fix 
things up so that she and Bob can get married. 

Frcmcina — My, my, but that will he fine. 1 do hope that he 
will succeed. 

Grace — And now what do you say to a game of tennis. 1 
think we've got time before Mary's train is due. Fran, you and 
I will play against Jean and Nan in a set of doubles. What do 
you say? 

Francina — Suits me. [They all take racquets.) 

Grace — Wait just a minute till I leave word in ease Mary 
should come while we are gone. (Goes to door — />'. front — raps 
Smartly.) Cora, we are going down to the tennis court for a 
little while, but I expect another guest — Miss Sherman — you 
remember? The young lady who w r as here in the Spring? 

Gora — 0, yes indeed, I remember her well, Miss Grace. A 
very sweet and pleasant-spoken young lady she was. 

Grace — Well, if she comes before we get back, will you take 
good care of her, Cora? Give her some iced tea and cookies out 
here in the garden, and tell her to read and rest until we come. 

Gora — Very well, I will, Miss Grace. (Exit Cora — A*, front.) 
Grace — Well, now I think we're readv. Come along girls. 
(Exit all — laughing and chatting.) 

(Auto horn sounds out in road. Cora comes running out. 
Door leading to road opens. Enter Mary Sherman ca » rying 
suit-ease. Cora takes bag from her. Mary stands in door-way 
waves her hand to person outside and calls.) 

Mary — (Out loud) Good-bye, good-bye. Thank you ever so 
much for driving me up, Good-bye. Horn sounds again growing 
fainter. (Mary comes to C.) Ah, how do you do, Cora. I see 
you have not forgotten me. 

Cora no, indeed, Miss. Miss Grace and I have often 

spoken of you. 



30 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

Mary — (Looking round) And where is everybody. Surely 
they expected me? 

Cora — 0, yes, indeed, Miss Sherman. Miss Grace and the 
others were here only a moment ago, and they went down to the 
tennis court to play for a while. I think Miss Grace didn't ex- 
pect you quite so soon. 

Mary — No, I suppose she didn't. But you see my employer 
was coining out this way, and he offered to bring me out in his 
machine, so I didn't have to wait for the train. 

Cora — Well, Miss Grace said as how I was to make you 
comfortable out here in the garden until she came back. Will 
you be taking off your things, Miss Sherman, and I'll get you a 
cold drink. 

(Takes Mary's wraps and bags and goes into house. Mary 
strolls about and finally seats self at table. Re-enter Cora 
bringing tray containing tea-things. Goes back to house and 
returns with magazine. ) 

Cora — Miss Grace said you were to rest and read here in 
the garden, Miss Sherman. (Hands Mary the magazine — ar- 
ranges table.) 

Mary — All right, Cora. You are certainly taking very good 
care of me. But first I think I'll do full justice to your very 
dainty lunch. My! but that iced tea looks good. (Moves chair — 
seats self fairly facing audience. Proceeds to eat and glanc(\ 
over magazine at same time.) 

(Auto horn sounds again. Rapping at door back R 
Cora goes to door and opens. Mrs. Sherman- Wheeler stands 
in door-way, clad in duster, auto hat, etc. 

Mrs. Sherman-Wheeler — Is this the Hart place? 

(At the sound of the voice, Mary starts, listens in si rained 
attitude but does not turn.) 

Cora — Yes ma'am, it is. Will you come in? 
Mrs. Sherman-Wheeler — Thank you, My but we've had a 
hard time finding the place. 

(Mary jumps up. Turns round and faces her mother.) 

MARY SHERMAN! 

Mm^y — Mother! (Stands hesitating as though uncertain 



\ BIT OF SCANDAL 31 

what to do. Mrs. Shei man Wheeler opens arms. Tliey rush to 
each other a/nd embrace. Exit Cora softly I', front.) Why, 

mother dear. how do v<»n tonic to be here? 

Mrs. Sherman-Wheeler — [Wipmg eyes) Well, my Wear. Mr. 
Hart sent me word that you were going- to be here and that if I 
wanted to see you this would lie a good chance. You see. ho 
knew how lonely it has been for me, now thai I am all alone. 

Mary — ALONE! Why mother where is — where is — 

Mrs. Sherman-Wheeler — THAT MAX! Don't ever mention 
his name to me again. He's GONE! and I never want to even 
think of him. You were right, Alary, child you could see through 
him better than T could. (). how I have suffered {weeps). 

Mary — Well, never mind, munisie dear [caresses her), it's 
all over now, and we're well rid of him. Perhaps things can be 
just as they used to be before he came. 

Mrs. Sherman-Wheeler — Do you mean that, Mary? Can 
you ever forgive me for being such a silly old women? 

Mary — Silly! Nonsense. I won't have you calling your- 
self bad names! We all makes mistakes sometimes, and you 
are just the best mumsie that ever was, and I love you as much 
as ever. [Embraces her.) 

Mrs. Sherman-Wheeler — Well, you don't know bow thank- 
ful I am darling, to hear you talk that way. I was afraid that 
you would never want to see your foolish old mother again. 
We've been awful lonesome for you Mary, the old place and I — 
won't you come back to us- — honey? 

Mary — [Hesitates) W-e-11 — it all depends — on — Bob. 

Mrs. Sherman-Wheeler — BOB! Bless bis heart. Why the 
old place is plenty big enough for all of us, and I'm just dying 
to set my eyes on him. You'll just have to bring him along with 
you, honey. 

Mary — [Rushing over and hugging her) You darling mum- 
sie. That's just what I was hoping you'd say. 

[Enter Grace. Jean. Van and Francina, just in time to 
see Mar// and stranger embracing. Swinging racquets and 
laughing.) 

Grace— Hello, what's this? 

Mary — [Turning to meet them) Hello there, everybody. I 
got here just a minute after you left. [They ail kiss. Mary takes 



32 A BIT OF SCANDAL 

her mother's hand and leads her to C.) And now girls, I want 
you all to meet my mother, Mrs. Sherman-Wheel — 

Mrs. Sherman-Wheeler — No, just Mrs. Sherman, plain 
Sherman from now on. I hope that you girls will all forget 
that it has ever heen anything else — and we want you all to 
come down and see us at the old Sherman place in Virgina, 
don't we Mary? 

Mary — Deed we do. Because you see girls, that's my old 
home, and it's going to be my new home too; mother's and — 
mine — and — Bob's. (Holds out her left hand.) 

Francina: — Bob's. (Catches up Mary's hand and looks.) 
Ah, so you are going to be married at last. 0, I am so glad for 
you, my cherie! (Mary nods smiling at her mother.) 

Mrs. Sherman-Wheeler — Yes, and the sooner they do it the 
better pleased I'll be. And girls, I invite you all to the wedding 
—a real old-fashioned Virginia wedding. 

Nan — Well, we all accept on the spot, don't we, girls. 
(All nod.) 

Francina — (Hugging Mary) 0, you darling, I'm just as ex- 
cited and pleased as I can be, and just as happy over your news 
as though it was myself. Who would ever have thought last 
year in college that it would all end like this. 

Mary — (Squeezing her mother's arm) Well, at least it's 
been a very happy ending for me. 

Grace — It is for us, too, and really it is the first time in my 
life I've ever know so much good to come from a "Little Bit of 
Scandal." 

CURTAIN. 



^ 



NEW HIGH SCHOOL PLAYS 



ALONG CAME BUD— 

for 4 boys and 2 girls. Bud, quite inno- 
cently causes a lot of trouble, but all ends 
well. when Bud comes along. Price 25c. 

CLARENCE DECIDES— 

is for 4 males and 6 females, and is a 
very clever comedy. All kinds of funny 
situations are introduced. Price 35c. 

THE CAPTAIN'S PREDICAMENT— 

a rattlirg good farce for 3 males and 4 
females. Lots of fun. Price, 35 cents. 

LOST— THE WHOLE CROWD AND 
THE PARROT— 

a farce in which many amusing complica- 
tions aiise. Plays whole evening. 8 
males and 5 females. Price, 35 cents. 

POLLY LOU— 

a new Gladys Bridgham farce in which 
there is plenty of action and an interest- 
ing plot. 6 males, 8 females. Price 35c. 

THE VISITING SMITHS— 

a short sketch telling how the Smith's 
Corner Smiths descended on the New 
York Smiths for a visit. Price, 25 cents. 

THE CONVERSION OF PA. 
THE TRIALS OF EZRA— 

two new Agricultural Extension plays. 
Each, 25 cents. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio, also 944 S. Logan, Denver, Colo. 



3> 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




015 939 937 



Flays for Amateurs 

BY SEYMOUR S. TIBBALS 



Mr. Tibbals has won a wide reputation as 
the writer of plays for amateurs that have 
dramatic action, bright dialog and clean 
and wholesome plots. Among the most 
successful of these are 



Somewhere In France; 4 m. 3 f ........ . 35c 

Sergeant Jim of the 

U. S. Marines; 7 m. 1 2 f ....... . .35c 

The Little Politician; 7 m. 3 f ....35c 

Getting Even With Reggie; 5 m. 8 f. 35c 

At The Village Postoffice; 5£ y acter8 ...35c 

The Man Haters; 11 f. 4 m ....35c 

Vinegar's Vaudeville Agency; j^w 35c 

The Millionaire Janitor; play for boys 35c 

In Dixie Land; male characters 35c 

Up Caesar's Creek; boys' play ...35c 

Christmas Plays 

Christmas at Finnegan's Flat 25c 

Christmas at Golden Gulch.. 25c 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKLIN, OHIO, also 944 S. Logan, DENVER, COLO. 



